The Elements Of The Short Story

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| By Judine Henriques

Judine Henriques, Principal at Gaynstead High School

Judine Henriques serves as a Principal at Gaynstead High School, contributing her educational expertise and leadership to the institution as a dedicated teacher.

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Questions: 15 | Attempts: 688 | Updated: Mar 19, 2023

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This quiz will test students' knowledge of the basic elements of a short story.

Questions and Answers

1.

Which literary term (word) refers to the conflict or struggle that starts the action in a story?
- A.
  
  Drama
- B.
  
  Problem
- C.
  
  Rising Action
- D.
  
  Exposition
Correct Answer
B. Problem

Explanation
The correct answer is "Problem" because it accurately describes the conflict or struggle that initiates the action in a story. In literature, the problem is often the central issue that the characters must face and attempt to resolve, driving the plot forward. It creates tension and keeps the readers engaged as they follow the characters' journey to overcome the problem.

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1
0
2.

Which literary term refers to the people in a story?
- A.
  
  Characters
- B.
  
  Antagonist
- C.
  
  Persona
- D.
  
  Narrator
Correct Answer
A. Characters

Explanation
The literary term that refers to the people in a story is "Characters". Characters are the individuals who play a role in the narrative and drive the plot forward. They can be protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters, each with their own unique traits, motivations, and development throughout the story. They are essential for creating a sense of realism and depth in the narrative, as they interact with each other and face various challenges and conflicts.

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3.

This term refers to the message about life that the readers learn.
- A.
  
  Sermon
- B.
  
  Topic
- C.
  
  Conflict
- D.
  
  Theme
Correct Answer
D. Theme

Explanation
The term "theme" refers to the message about life that the readers learn. It is the underlying meaning or main idea of a literary work. The theme is often a universal concept or lesson that can be applied to various situations. It helps to convey the author's perspective or purpose in writing the piece. In this context, "sermon," "topic," and "conflict" do not specifically relate to the message about life that readers learn, making them incorrect choices. Therefore, the correct answer is "theme."

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4.

This term refers to the part of the story where the conflict is resolved.
- A.
  
  Climax
- B.
  
  Denouement
- C.
  
  Finale
- D.
  
  Falling Action
Correct Answer
B. Denouement

Explanation
Rounds out and concludes the action of a story.

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5.

Setting may include the following:
- A.
  
  The time, place, weather, social and moral beliefs
- B.
  
  The time, weather, characters and moral beliefs
- C.
  
  The time, place, characters and social beliefs
- D.
  
  The time, place, plot, characters and social beliefs
Correct Answer
A. The time, place, weather, social and moral beliefs

Explanation
The setting of a story encompasses various elements such as the time, place, weather, social, and moral beliefs. These factors help to create the backdrop against which the story unfolds and influence the actions and motivations of the characters. The time and place provide the context for the events, while the weather can set the tone or mood of the story. Additionally, the social and moral beliefs prevalent in the setting can shape the characters' behavior and decisions. Therefore, the correct answer includes all these essential components of the setting.

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6.

This is the introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understanding the story.
- A.
  
  Rising Action
- B.
  
  Falling Action
- C.
  
  Exposition
- D.
  
  Beginning
Correct Answer
C. Exposition

Explanation
The correct answer is "Exposition." In the context of a story, the exposition refers to the introductory material that provides important information about the setting, tone, characters, and other necessary details for understanding the story. It sets the stage for the events to come and helps the reader or audience to grasp the context and background of the narrative.

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7.

The main character in the story is called the:
- A.
  
  Antagonist
- B.
  
  Narrator
- C.
  
  Protagonist
- D.
  
  Foil Character
Correct Answer
C. Protagonist

Explanation
The main character in a story is referred to as the protagonist. This character is typically the central figure and is usually involved in the main conflict or struggle of the story. The protagonist is often portrayed as the hero or the character that the reader or audience is meant to root for and empathize with. They drive the plot forward and their actions and decisions have a significant impact on the outcome of the story.

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8.

This narrator is a character in the story who can reveal only personal thoughts and feelings and what he or she sees and is told by other characters. He can’t tell us thoughts of other characters.
- A.
  
  Third Person Objective
- B.
  
  Third Person Limited
- C.
  
  Third Person Omniscient
- D.
  
  First Person
Correct Answer
D. First Person

Explanation
The correct answer is First Person. In first person narration, the narrator is a character in the story and can only reveal their own personal thoughts and feelings, as well as what they see and are told by other characters. They cannot provide insight into the thoughts of other characters.

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9.

This narrator is an outsider who sees into the mind of one of the characters.
- A.
  
  Third Person Objective
- B.
  
  Third Person Limited
- C.
  
  Third Person Omniscient
- D.
  
  First Person
Correct Answer
B. Third Person Limited

Explanation
The given correct answer is Third Person Limited. This is because the narrator is an outsider who can see into the mind of only one character. In third person limited point of view, the narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of only one character, providing a limited perspective on the events and characters in the story.

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10.

This part of the story is the result of the crisis. It is the high point of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted.
- A.
  
  Problem
- B.
  
  Falling action
- C.
  
  Crisis
- D.
  
  Climax
Correct Answer
D. Climax

Explanation
The climax is the high point of the story for the reader, where the outcome of the conflict can be predicted. It is the moment of highest interest and greatest emotion. This part of the story is the result of the crisis, making it the correct answer.

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11.

The sequence of events of the story is called the _______________.

Correct Answer
Plot

Explanation
The sequence of events that occur in a story is referred to as the plot. The plot encompasses the various actions, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the narrative forward. It includes the introduction of characters, the development of the story's central conflict, and the eventual resolution or outcome. The plot is essential in creating a cohesive and engaging story, as it provides structure and purpose to the events that unfold.

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12.

The action that comes after the climax is called the __________________.

Correct Answer
Falling Action

Explanation
The falling action is the part of a story that occurs after the climax and leads to the resolution. It is the point where the tension and conflict start to decrease, and the story begins to wrap up. During this phase, loose ends are tied up, and the characters start to experience the consequences of the climax. The falling action provides closure and allows the reader to see how the story's events unfold and the characters' lives are affected.

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13.

The ____________________is the person or force which opposes the main character.

Correct Answer
Antagonist
Villain

Explanation
The antagonist is the person or force that opposes the main character. They create conflict and obstacles for the main character to overcome. In many cases, the antagonist can also be referred to as the villain, as they often play a negative or evil role in the story. Their actions and motivations are in direct opposition to the goals and desires of the main character, leading to tension and suspense in the narrative.

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14.

The point of view in the following extract is ________________:"When someone asks me what business I am in, I am seized with embarrassment: I blush and stammer, I who am otherwise known as a man of poise." from The Laugher by Heinrich Boll

Correct Answer
First Person

Explanation
The given extract suggests that the point of view is first person because the narrator refers to themselves using the pronoun "I" and shares their personal thoughts and feelings about being asked about their business. The use of phrases like "I am seized with embarrassment" and "I blush and stammer" indicates that the narrator is directly involved in the events and is sharing their own perspective.

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15.

The point of view in the following extract is ________________:"Mrs. Gage almost fell into the fire with joy. She had not seen her brother for many years, and, as he did not even acknowledge the Christmas card which she sent him every year, she thought that his miserly habits, well known to her from childhood, made him grudge even a penny stamp for a reply." from The Widow and the Parrot by Virginia Woolf

Correct Answer
Third Person Omniscient
Omniscient

Explanation
The correct answer for this question is "Third Person Omniscient, Omniscient." The point of view in the extract is third person omniscient because it is narrated from an external perspective and provides insights into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. The use of phrases like "she thought" and "well known to her" indicate that the narrator has access to the characters' inner thoughts and knowledge. The term "omniscient" is also used to emphasize that the narrator has complete knowledge of the events and characters in the story.

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Current Version
Mar 19, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Mar 03, 2010

Quiz Created by
Judine Henriques

The Elements Of The Short Story

Which literary term (word) refers to the conflict or struggle that starts the action in a story?

Which literary term refers to the people in a story?

This term refers to the message about life that the readers learn.

This term refers to the part of the story where the conflict is resolved.

Setting may include the following:

This is the introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understanding the story.

The main character in the story is called the:

This narrator is a character in the story who can reveal only personal thoughts and feelings and what he or she sees and is told by other characters. He can’t tell us thoughts of other characters.

This narrator is an outsider who sees into the mind of one of the characters.

This part of the story is the result of the crisis. It is the high point of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted.

The sequence of events of the story is called the _______________.

The action that comes after the climax is called the __________________.

The ____________________is the person or force which opposes the main character.

The point of view in the following extract is ________________:"When someone asks me what business I am in, I am seized with embarrassment: I blush and stammer, I who am otherwise known as a man of poise." from The Laugher by Heinrich Boll